Compassionate support.

Saying goodbye is never easy.

It's hard to appreciate how much the loss of a pet can affect us, until it's time for us to say goodbye. Many of us feel utterly alone as we struggle through all the decisions that come at the end of our pet's life.

You don't have to go through this kind of grief alone! As an Animal End-of-Life Doula, I am here to partner with you to help.

End-of-Life Pet Doula Services

A Pet Doula is a comforting presence before, during and after the death of your pet by providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to you, your companion and your family. I know this subject can be one of the most difficult things to talk about or even think about. As someone who has lost many beloved pets, I also know how beneficial this conversation can be. Services can include: •Creating plan of comfort and ease for you and your pet •Initiating safe and compassionate conversation about death •Demystifying the dying process and euthanasia •Assistance in discovering the options and services available to pets and their humans •Memorializing and celebrating your special bond •Providing a more peaceful experience for all involved •Supporting natural after-death care in the comfort of your home •Supporting you and your family in grief

What is end-of-life care for companion animals?

I know the decisions that need to be made when a beloved cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, horse, or other companion nears the end of their life can feel overwhelming. Coupled with the loss of sleep and extra stress that comes with caregiving for an animal companion, it’s easy to feel lost or alone. End-of Life Doulas specializing in animal companion care complement palliative and hospice care provided by veterinarians. We are not medical specialists. We are specialists in the aspects of death and death care that medical providers do not provide. Doulas support animals and their owners with compassionate care in a number of ways, including emotional and informational support during such a difficult time. Some of the things we can be called on to help with include: •Exploring options for palliative or hospice care •Discussing euthanasia options •Helping complete Quality of Life scales •Planning a “bucket list” for you and your pet •Celebration of life events •Guidance about burial and/or cremation options •Ideas for physical memorials I partner with animals of all species and their humans. I’m here to help you as you navigate the challenges of caring for an animal family member while planning for their death, possible death, and/or the activities that come immediately after death.

My approach.

My services are tailored to provide you with some sense of control over your grief journey, knowing you have a grief partner when you need it. I am dedicated to being an advocate, making sure your wishes are acknowledged and accomplished while also ensuring you have the resources to process and complete what you and your pet need to feel prepared and at peace. It can be difficult to navigate the emotional and practical aspects that come with the challenge of preparing for the end of life. That is why I am here. That is how I help.

Services

My services are tailored to each client to be the support you need at any given time. I'm honored to offer:

• Helping you communicate with your Veterinarian

• Objectively measuring quality of life for your pet

• Discussing burial or cremation options

• Planning how to spend meaningful time together

• Exploring palliative or hospice care options

• Discussing or planning euthanasia options

• Brainstorming for physical memorials, vigils and tributes

• Compassionate presence during your pet's final moments when you are too distraught or cannot be there.

I am here to help. Let's discuss a plan that's right for you and your beloved pet.

Presence & Support

If you would like a doula present when saying goodbye to your beloved pet, I can be there. I will travel to you, whether it is your home or the vet’s office within the Placer, Sacramento or Yolo County areas. During that time, I can be of support by guiding you through the euthanasia or dying process, help in making arrangements, guide after-death care, and create ritual and ceremony to honor your sweet companion.

Consulting & Planning

Just as it is beneficial to plan for our own death, it can be helpful to plan for the death of our beloved companions as well. Planning ahead can reduce hasty decisions, painful surprises and unnecessary trauma.

This service consists of in-person or virtual meetings to create an end-of-life plan for your pet, promoting peace of mind. Together we will discuss everything about your beloved pet including resources, options, services, celebration of life and rituals. My hope is that you will leave feeling supported and confident that you have done everything to provide the best possible care for your pet.

Navigating Grief and Beyond

Grief has its own timeline, and everyone’s grief journey is unique and incomparable to anyone else’s. Even those who have lost their own animals may not understand the depth of connection you have with yours. I can provide you with compassionate support and bear witness to your grief journey.

I'm Kim, and animals are my passion.

I have had a love of animals my whole life.

My first dog, Fancy, was born the same year as me and for 17 wonderful years she was my best friend and confidant. Growing up, my family always had dogs and cats and I had a true obsession with horses that started at age two. Once I was a young adult out on my own, I became a doting mom to my first bunny, a beautiful little Dutch girl named Biscuit. These curious, social and opinionated little souls have been a big part of my life ever since.

I’ve been an animal advocate for over three decades and have championed animal welfare as a rescuer, transporter, shelter worker, foster, and volunteer. This passion for animals led me to become certified in equine massage, take classes in animal communication, and complete a course in animal hospice and special needs care.

I have loved and lost many animals, not just my own. However, it was a tiny, sassy horse named Lucky Charm that really changed everything. My little diva was only 2 years old when we very suddenly and tragically lost her. The overwhelming grief I felt, paired with so many people’s lack of any true understanding of what I was going through, set me on the path to eventually becoming a Certified End-of-Life Pet Doula.

I have navigated these losses and emotions, and I can relate whether it’s from old age, or medical issues, chronic illness or accidents. I know the hurt, grief and confusion. I am dedicated to supporting pets and their people through a journey that can feel very isolating.

I can’t wait to learn more about you, your cherished loved one and the relationship with your beloved companion animal. He’s your world. She’s your best friend. And I want to learn all about your time together and how you want to honor their life moving forward.

With my years of experience, I believe in the power of empathy and advocacy for pets and their people. I am here to empower you, advocate for your choices, and provide continuous support as you navigate the end of life process of your beloved companion.

I can help you get through this.

Testimonials

Lisa

I have had the pleasure of experiencing Kim's abilities a few times. Kim's reading helped me make decisions regarding medical treatment for my sick, elderly dog, Cassidy. After she passed, Kim's communication with her was so comforting and still gives me the visual of my baby running and playing in a healthy body.

Samantha

I can’t think of anyone more perfectly suited to support others through the difficult journey of saying goodbye to a beloved animal than Kim. Her kindness, compassion, and deep empathy are truly unmatched. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her care firsthand during the euthanasia of elderly wildlife—moments that are often heartbreaking and heavy. She approaches each life, no matter how small or wild, with dignity, gentleness, and a deep sense of reverence. Her presence brings comfort not only to the animals but to those of us who feel the weight of those decisions. Anyone who has her by their side during such a tender time is incredibly fortunate.